our impact- What the data shows

An independent evaluation of the emme program confirms the transformative power of culturally rooted, consistent, and compassionate care for Black and Brown women in Bridgeport.

• 100 women and young women continuously enrolled in the program 
• 95% identified as women of color
• Ages ranged from 12 to 49
• All participants had one or more unmet need related to housing, childcare, food, transportation, or healthcare
   

emme participants reported significant gains in nearly every aspect of their lives:

• 92% increased confidence in parenting abilities
• 88% improved intimate relationships
• 85% felt better equipped to manage stress and trauma
• 66% reported greater confidence navigating the healthcare system
• 51% increased knowledge of reproductive and sexual health
   

Participants made meaningful progress toward:

• Earning a high school diploma or GED
• Learning English or improving language proficiency
• Enrolling in college or vocational programs
• Securing employment and internships
• Improving financial literacy, including building emergency savings
• Gaining independence from unsafe family dynamics
   

emme participants showed better health engagement and outcomes than a matched comparison group:

• Higher utilization of medical, dental, OB/GYN, and behavioral health services
• Longer gestational age at birth on average (38.9 weeks vs. 33.0 weeks), reducing risk of preterm birth
• Increased access to mental health support, with 94% behavioral health appointment attendance
• Notably, more Black women enrolled in emme than typically seen in regional health programs
   

• Participants met weekly with Community Health Workers (CHWs) for personalized life coaching
• CHWs served as trusted supports, offering emotional encouragement, goal tracking, and resource navigation
• emme offered wraparound services, including support with transportation, childcare, and legal aid
• CHWs completed advanced training in trauma-informed care, life coaching, and maternal health
   

• A model of maternal and reproductive health that centers dignity, trust, and self-determination
• A network of support that reduces isolation and increases self-advocacy
• A community-led approach that improves real outcomes and tackles systemic disparities head-on
   

The data is clear: emme works.
We are not just supporting individual women. We are shifting what health and healing can look like for an entire community.

If you would like to read the entire report, please click below: